MACTAN ISLAND, the Philippines — Donor countries and
multilateral organizations, spearheaded by Japan, committed up to $2 billion in
aid for the Philippines on Saturday while urging the Philippine government to
address issues impeding the country's progress.

Philippine Finance Secretary Jose Isidro Camacho, who chaired the two-day
meeting, said in a press statement that donors have committed official
development assistance (ODA) of up to $2 billion, compared with $2.4 billion at
the previous donor meeting in March 2002. (Kyodo News)